Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced it will serve new non-GMO and certified organic Lemonades, Aguas Frescas, and Tea from farmer-created Tractor Beverage Co. at participating locations starting July 21. Chipotle is excited to offer beverages that use sustainably grown real ingredients, meeting its Food with Integrity standards.
The agreement with Tractor Beverage Co. also marks the brand’s first national philanthropic product integration. All Tractor Beverages sold by Chipotle will help support the U.S. agricultural industry, with 5% of Chipotle’s profits from its sale of these beverages being donated to causes that support farmers. Funds will expand Chipotle’s existing farmer programs including long-term contracts, increased local sourcing, scholarships and grants to start, run or grow farming operations, among others.
“Adding Tractor Beverage Co. products and introducing Beverages with Integrity is a notable evolution for the Chipotle menu,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. “Now our fans can enjoy delicious, all-natural drinks made with real ingredients while supporting the farming community.”
Four new flavors of Tractor Beverages will be offered at Chipotle exclusively for in-restaurant dining and carryout orders:
Organic farmer Travis Potter founded Tractor Beverage Co. in 2015 on the simple idea that great food deserves great drinks. The company’s entire portfolio of drinks is non-GMO, completely organic and entirely natural. Tractor Beverage Co. is the first and only non-GMO and certified organic full-line beverage solution available for food service.
“This is a dream collaboration for two brands committed to using all-natural ingredients, sustainable sourcing and supporting farmers,” said Travis Potter, founder of Tractor Beverage Co. “Our Tractor Beverages pair perfectly with Chipotle’s real food and will bring entirely new flavors to the brand’s dining experience.”
Beyond the new Organic Beverages program, Chipotle most recently supported farmers in its supply chain by assisting in the development of eCommerce sites within the Chipotle Virtual Farmers’ Market, an online marketplace where consumers can buy real ingredients online, directly from the brand’s suppliers.
To date, Chipotle and the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation have contributed over $500,000 to support the next generation of farmers. The brand is empowering the next generation of farmers by offering education, scholarships, grants, and three-year contracts to young farmers. Additionally, Chipotle’s Aluminaries Project 2.0 accelerator program is helping growth-stage ventures across the country advance innovative solutions in farming.
Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.